| FlightScope
Kudu Summary Report / June 2008
In the
summer of 2007 GolfTest USA had some proprietary tests to
conduct on several new drivers. The tests required us to
measure accurately the distance and dispersion of hundreds
of shots hit at our test center. We have a very efficient
and accurate method for measuring shots made by each tester.
By using a gps device and a wheel tape measure we can achieve
results that are within 3% accuracy. We thought that if
we had a launch monitor that would give us results within
a 5% margin of error, the results would still be valid and
its use would save us a tremendous amount of time and manpower.
We had seen FlightScope at several golf shows, and learned
that FlightScope filed the world’s first patent application
for 3D Doppler Tracking Radar Technology for Golf. We contacted
the company to see if we could use the FlightScope Kudu
in our standard testing and also in our proprietary testing.
The company agreed to send us a FlightScope Kudu to use
in our testing.
Because we are dedicated to employing only the most precise
measurement methods for our testing, FlightScope provided
us with its new software and firmware updates in January,
2008. In February, 2008, we used the FlightScope Kudu, encompassing
the new software and firmware, to conduct a practice test,
with highly accurate results. We compared the FlightScope
Kudu results with our manual method and were pleasantly
pleased to find that the FlightScope Kudu was within 2.5%
of the accuracy we needed to validate test results
As we have validated the accuracy of the new software and
firmware, we realize that the FlightScope Kudu is a real
timesaver. We easily can have a golfer hit 10 to 12 shots
and then we can use the data recorded by the FlightScope
Kudu to determine the distance and dispersion of that group
of shots. The data gathered on ball spin rates are also
valuable. Another valuable feature of the FlightScope Kudu
is its ability to determine a golfer’s “Smash
Factor.” As it was explained to us by a FlightScope
guru, the Smash Factor is the ratio of ball speed to clubhead
speed (simply divide ball speed by clubhead speed). It is
a good measure of how well the ball was struck and how effectively
club energy is transferred to the ball. A smash factor of
1.50 would put you in the Tiger Woods class, while mere
mortals tend to be in the 1.30 to 1.35 range.
There are a number of other parameters and data that the
FlightScope Kudu measures, all of interest to golfers looking
to analyze their swings. It provides feedback on launch
angle, ball spin rates (back and side), clubhead and ball
speed and several other factors. The software program then
compiles and presents the data in several formats, including
graphs and visual charts, which really help golfers determine
where they need to improve. While we don’t use many
of these features in our testing, we are sure that the information
is invaluable to golf instructors and club fitters.
 Based
on our recent use and evaluation of the FlightScope Kudu,
we have awarded it our GolfTest USA"Seal of Excellence".
The
FlightScope Kudu has shown itself to be a quality product
that performs at a high level and is a solid value. We were
very pleased that the FlightScope support staff was there
for us to help us through the set-up and during the times
we needed assistance to ensure we got the most out of the
FlightScope Kudu. Its use has allowed us to cut our testing
time by one third. For more information on the FlightScope
Kudu, see www.flightscope.com.
- The GolfTest USA Staff
The following information was taken directly from the FlightScope
Web site so that interested parties can find out more about
the FlightScope products, their development and uses.
Ball
Tracking Technology
FlightScope’s
ball tracking technology was derived from Doppler radar
and digital signal processing technology traditionally used
in Defense Systems that track ballistic projectiles.
EDH pioneered
the use of 3D tracking technology in sports as diverse as
cricket, tennis and golf since the early 1990’s.
The FlightScope
brand name was introduced for the range of sports products
and services at the turn of the millennium.
On-going
development delivered new applications for FlightScope’s
ball tracking technology in both Soccer and Baseball, with
more to come.
Golf
Ball Tracking Products
Golf ball tracking through 3D, FlightScope has pioneered
the use of 3D tracking technology for golf, providing unsurpassed
measurement of golf balls and clubs.
More than a
launch monitor. FlightScope not only determines the launch
conditions of a golf ball but also tracks the ball during
its flight to provide unsurpassed data about the launch
and resultant ball trajectory.
As a business
tool it has a short payback period and excellent return
on investment.
Using patented
phased array tracking technology and superior user graphics,
FlightScope is the standard choice for leading pro shops
and retail chains, club fitters, and coaches.
FlightScope
also provides the backbone of the About Golf indoor golf
simulator, the world’s most realistic virtual golf
game.
At corporate
days at golf courses, driving ranges, and exhibition venues,
FlightScope is often the center of attraction.
FlightScope
is available for TV broadcast enhancement services off the
tee at major golf tournaments.
Most first-timers
are amazed at what FlightScope can measure in a simple,
cost-effective way. Why don’t you see for yourself?
FlightScope Kudu – for both indoor and outdoor
use FlightScope Kudu is the solution that replaces traditional
launch monitors. It measures clubs and ball flight directly,
providing the most extensive set of measured data available
on the market today. Unlike imitations and camera-based
systems, FlightScope directly measures the true 3D track
of the club and the ball, including the launch conditions
and ball spin at accuracies never before achieved.
Golf
Applications
Golf
Club Fitting
FlightScope is the ideal golf club fitting tool.
Being portable, it can be used as a standalone test system
as well as integrated with automated golf club fitting solutions
such as Swing Laboratories.
From a few reference
shots FlightScope will measure the clubhead speed, shot
shape and other data related to the golfer’s performance
and capability. These data, combined with the club fitter’s
knowledge base, then are used to select suitable clubs to
improve golf swing and the golfer’s performance. Final
club selection follows optimizing the launch conditions
and comparative testing using FlightScope as the evaluation
tool.
FlightScope
can be used to fit both drivers and irons.
Golf club fitters
also use FlightScope to test clubs personally to enhance
their own knowledge about club performance beyond the data
provided by club manufacturers or third-party test labs.
FlightScope
integrates with Swing Laboratories. FlightScope data can
be uploaded directly to the SwingLabs on-line club fitting
service. See www.swinglabs.com
Golf
Training Aid - The Perfect Golf Swing
“Consistent practice sessions are essential to the
improvement of the beginner golfer. But players need to
have a full understanding of what they are trying to do
and how to practice. Beating golf balls aimlessly does no
good and only ingrains poor habits.” (www.wikipedia.org)
Although FlightScope as a golf training aid cannot teach
a person how to swing a golf club or how to become fit,
it can assist a golf instructor to teach you the perfect
golf swing by monitoring improvement in a scientific manner.
Golf instruction
already uses a variety of technological aids including balance
plates, video analyzers and more. FlightScope is the breakthrough
technology that provides accurate data of golf shots previously
limited to only a few privileged with access to expensive
scientific instruments.
Golf instructors
have different teaching methods and styles. The FlightScope
golf training aid can support all methods and styles of
golf instruction. It measures the performance of golfers
and their equipment, so that the instructor has the ability
to assess and analyze players of all levels in a scientific,
professional manner. “More craft, less smoke.”
FlightScope
provides the following important data to the golf instructor:
•Clubhead speed and trajectory
•Ball speed, launch angle and spin
•Carry and total distances, and angle of descent
•Shot shapes and trends
•Grouping of shots and more
Golf measurements
are displayed as easy-to-read tables and graphs.
FlightScope
also can show typical data of other golfers (professionals
or peers) for comparison.
Easy
to Use
FlightScope
can be set up at a driving range, a golf course or an indoor
hitting bay. It is transportable, and can be moved and set
up at different locations with ease. Get the perfect golf
swing and the most from your golf instruction with the FlightScope
golf training aid.
Golf
Club Retail Sales
FlightScope is an ideal tool to enhance golf club retail
sales. It can be set up quickly and easily in almost any
indoor hitting cage.
The system provides
measurements that are reliable, consistent and credible
- vital when making a sales recommendation to a prospective
customer. FlightScope allows comparison of both golf clubs
and golf balls.
If you are interested
in learning about how FlightScope can make your golf club
and ball retail sales grow and increase profits, please
contact FlightScope for more details.
Sports
Measurement Tool
Manufacturers of golf clubs, shafts, grips, other club components
and golf balls can use FlightScope testing and demonstration
of product performance from the laboratory through to the
sales network at costs well below that of traditional proprietary
test systems.
Easy to set
up and use, highly portable but nonetheless accurate and
dependable, FlightScope is the ideal sports measurement
tool for any equipment manufacturer.
Golf
Swing Analyzer
FlightScope adds a new dimension to a golf club or driving
range with its golf swing analyzer. The high-technology
invention that tracks golf shots and provides player and
equipment performance on a shot-by-shot basis will:
• Attract new and especially younger members
• Aid resident professionals with their coaching business
• Be a fresh attraction (delivering additional income)
for corporate golf days
• Be the center for demo days, used by coaches or
equipment suppliers.
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